Air France Super Constellation on a globe

A Lockheed Super Constellation model in metal, mounted on a curved arm above a painted globe. The brass ring around the globe reads «AIR FRANCE · RÉSEAU AÉRIEN MONDIAL», and on the globe sits the winged seahorse — the emblem Air France advertised with in the fifties.

«Réseau Aérien Mondial» — worldwide network — was the slogan Air France used for its long-haul routes in the fifties. Pieces carrying it went to travel agencies and good customers. The large brass globe from the same advertising line is also in the shop; this is the small version.

No maker's name can be found — neither on the model nor on the visible part of the base. None is therefore claimed. Checking the underside may reveal more.

The Connie, with its curved fuselage and triple tail, is still called the most beautiful airliner ever built. Air France flew it on prestige routes from the mid-fifties until the Caravelle and the Boeing 707 took over.

Cast metal, polished. All four engine nacelles with propellers are present, the gear retracted, the triple tail complete. The curved arm holds the aircraft in flight attitude.

• Metal model, alloy not determined
• All four engines, triple tail complete
• Base: painted globe in a brass ring
• Lettering «Air France · Réseau Aérien Mondial», winged seahorse
• No maker's mark visible

Good for its age. The metal shows signs of use and a light patina, the brass ring has darkened, the paint of the globe carries fine age marks. Model complete, nothing bent, mount firm, lettering legible all round.